You must read and understand these instructions completely before installing your bamboo flooring.In the event these instructions leave unanswered questions or if you would like additional information,please contact the manufacturer.Should an individual plank be doubtful as to appearance or dimension the installer should not use this piece.Any defect must be reported directly to the manufacturer and replacement material will be sent in a timely manner.Warranties do not cover materials with visible defects once they are installed.
It is the responsibility of the installer to determine if the job site subfloor and the job site conditions are environmentally and structurally acceptable for the installation.
Furthermore,the building should be completely enclosed with windows and doors installed prior to the installation of the flooring.
NOTE:Manufacturer disclaims all liability for imperfect installation of its product.Bamboo pre-finished flooring is best installed over a wood subfloor using staples/brads or glue.Gluing pre-finished Bamboo with the approved adhesive directly to a concrete subfloor may be done on or above grade.Do not install"solid"Bamboo flooring below grade.
Solid bamboo flooring may be applied over in-floor radiant heating systems.Recommended equipment is the Stanley Bostitch Flooring Nailer.Proper use of this equipment will render good results.
Bamboo is a natural product.Just like wood, bamboo flooring will vary in shade or pattern definition.Also,just like wood,bamboo flooring is subject to the normal behavior of minor expansion during periods of high humidity and minor contraction during periods of low humidity (usually the heating season).Visible gaps at seams and joints will vary seasonally.
ACCLIMATION:Solid bamboo flooring flooring must be allowed to acclimate on-site a minimum of 72 hours in advance of installation.Open each box and remove shrink-wrap completely.During the acclimation period it is important that temperature and humidity levels be maintained in accordance with those expected to exist after installation.During storage and installation,maintain temperature and relative humidity to level consistent to the conditions that will prevail when building is occupied.Heating or air conditioning should be used for an appropriate length of time prior and during installation.With improper acclimation,the floor could noticeably expand or contract after installation.Bamboo flooring is manufactured with a moisture range around 9%.This range is approximately at the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) for most regions in the United States.
PLYWOOD SUBSTRATE PREPARATION:Underlayment-grade plywood and man-made board substrates must be clean,level,dry,and free of contaminants.Optimum results will be achieved through use of 3/4"CDX or OSB plywood substrates.Fill any low spots with appropriate filler and sand any high spots.For buildings with a raised foundation,install ground cover of 6 mil polyethylene sheets over the earth in crawl space.
CONCRETE SUBSTRATE PREPARATION:Concrete Substrate must be on or above grade.Concrete is required to be sound, smooth,level and flat with a maximum variation of 1/8"in 10'.Fill any low spots with appropriate filler and scrape any high spots.Subfloor must be properly cured and tested for moisture content.Before moisture testing begins,the concrete slab must be a MINIMUM of 30 days old.Testing of slabs less than 30 days old can produce inaccurate, unreliable results;PH testing should be done on all slabs regardless of age.The recommended method is the Calcium Chloride test and flooring must not be installed if vapor pressure exceeds 3 lbs.per 1000 square feet in 24 hours.
INSTALLATION:Flooring should be square with the space,running parallel to longest room dimension.A 1/2"expansion space must be left around entire perimeter.It is important that the tongue & groove of each plank fit together tightly at all seams and butt joints.Starter row must be held firmly in place using either nails or wedging.Use of proper equipment will improve overall quality of installation.
Nail Down Method:Once starter rows are secure,additional rows should be blind nailed using a professional quality flooring nail gun.Excessive splitting or cracking of plank tongue can result from use of improper equipment or incorrect equipment settings.Holding nail gun at a 45-50 degree angle to face of plank,insert nails directly above tongue.Beginning a minimum of 2 inch from end of first plank,space nails at 8 inch intervals.To prevent splitting,nails should not be placed closer than 2 inch from either end of plank.Two inch long flooring nails (cleats),or 2-inch,15 gauge flooring staples with a ½ inch crown are recommended.
Glue Down Method:Room,flooring material and containers of adhesive should be conditioned at normal room temperature for 72 hours before beginning installation.Use only manufacturer's recommended adhesive.Apply adhesive to substrate with a 1/4"x 3/16"x 5/16"V notch trowel.Immediately and firmly place flooring onto"wet"adhesive.
NOTE:It is important not to allow glue onto plank surface.If glue does spill or leak onto surface of flooring,please consult adhesive manufacturer for appropriate corrective action.
In-floor Radiant Heat:Regardless of season,radiant heat system should be turned on and remain on for five days in advance of installation.A radiant floor should not produce surface temperatures over 85 degrees Fahrenheit.Continue to operate radiant heat system after installation.

PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Lasting beauty can be achieved through purchasing a quality floor covering and providing proper on-going maintenance.
Natural Properties
Fading:Bamboo contains organic pigments.Just like other wood products,bamboo will fade and should never be exposed directly to sunlight.Where possible,use drapes or other systems to protect your floor from excessive light.
Joints:Bamboo reacts to the conditions in the environment just like any other wood product.Wood floor systems expand and contract in response to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.Controlling the environment,maintaining an adequate temperature and relative humidity,will minimize the visible effects of normal contraction and expansion.
PROTECTION
You may protect your bamboo floor by taking the following precautions:
To help eliminate fine particles of dirt/grit that act like sandpaper and will scratch any floor,vacuum or sweep as needed.
Spills should be wiped up immediately.
Use walk-off mats at entrance doors and in front of kitchen sink.Avoid rubber backed or other non-ventilated mats or rugs.
In the kitchen,use a rug in front of the working areas, such as the stove and sink, to prevent local premature wear.
Weight distribution is a key factor in preventing indentation.Install proper protectors under"feet"of furniture. Furniture will require different types of protectors in order to achieve maximum weight distribution.Resilient pads such as those made of felt,flexible rubber,and saucer-shaped plastic glides will work for most furniture.
Caster wheeled chairs should have wide casters.Protective mats should be used under office chairs.
Maintain adequate humidity levels.If necessary,use a humidifier.
Periodically check floor for signs of wear.
Never use tape or other adhesive products on an acrylic surface.
Maintenance
Sweep or vacuum floor frequently in order to avoid build up of abrasive particles.Use only cleaners specified for use on pre-finished hardwood available from your local retailer or home center.